Wales Sevens star Sam Cross will be joined by Ospreys utility back Ross Jones and Cardiff Blues full back Dan Fish along with scrum half Nicky Griffiths who will be making his first start for two years. Wing Alex Webber is also re-introduced to the squad having not played since the opening round in Australia last October.
Tomos Williams (Wales Under 20s duty), Rhodri Davies (injured), Sion Bennett, Steffan Jones and Lee Williams are the players who make way for the new contingent.
Cross was the form player for Wales last season but hasn’t figured so far this campaign while Griffiths has returned to Sevens after being part of a Jersey side which gained promotion to the English Championship from National One.
Wales Sevens head coach Gareth Williams said international call-ups has had a knock-on effect on his squad but he still has a core group from the last leg in Dubai and Port Elizabeth to call upon
“We still have a consistent group from the last leg still in there and the new boys have come in and picked up all the technicalities and now we’re just excited to get on the plane to New Zealand,” he said.
Williams is delighted experienced duo Cross and Griffiths will be back in action for Wales when they tackle Australia, Fiji and Portugal at the Westpac Stadium in what is a tough group.
“Nicky has been away from us for a number of years – he was very close to Commonwealth Games selection to be fair before narrowly missing out on selection. It’s great to have him back as he is a model professional and a great influence on the guys.
“Sam has been on the outside so to speak but he’s worked hard on things and responded really well.
“It’s vital we get off to a good start against Australia. They are one of the form sides in the series and possess an excellent group of athletes. It’s going to be physical but hopefully we will have the New Zealand crowd behind and get off to a winning start.”
Round 4, Wellington (NZ) 6-7 Feb, Westpac Stadium
Round 5, Las Vegas 13-15 Feb, Sam Boyd Stadium
Wales Sevens squad
Jevon Groves (WRU Sevens)
Sam Cross (WRU Sevens)
Jason Harries (WRU Sevens)
Alex Webber (WRU Sevens)
Nicky Griffiths (WRU Sevens)
Lloyd Evans (Ospreys)
Ross Jones (Ospreys)
Craig Price (Scarlets)
Luke Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Dan Fish (Cardiff Blues)
Will Harries (Ealing Trailfinders)
Tom Williams (Blues)
Aled Jenkins (Ospreys)
